Apparatus for setting stages



July 30, 1940. Q R BROWN 2,209,596

APPARATUS FOR SETTING STAGES vFile d Jan. 22 1959 3 Sheets-Skpet 1 JNVENTOE CAL V/N E. BRO vv/v 7 V X Viv/F W ATTOKNEKY July so, 1940. c. R. BROWQ 2,209,596

APPARATUS FOR SETTING STAGES Filed Jan. 25; 1959 's Sheets-Sheet 2 [NVENTOR CAL v//\/ 9. BEOWN ATTOKNE Y6 July 30, 1940. c, .B ROWN I 2,209,596 2 APPARATUS FOR SETTING STAGES Filed Jan. 23, 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Zvl E/w-ae CAL VIN E. BBC vv/v MFM www- 147'TOBNEYJ Patented July 30, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT" g I 2,209,596.. APPARATUS FOR SETTING STAGES Calvin R. Brown, Minneapolis, Minn. Application January 23, 1939, Serial no. 252,371

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in apparatus for setting stages and more particularly to a novel means for supporting the side curtains, commonly known as cyclor'amasr they may be selectively lowered into position to effect the desired change in scenery.

The cycloramas usually require more frequent changing and shifting about from place to place 2Q on .the stage, audit is therefore desirable that they be supported in Such a manner that they may readily and quickly be shifted from one position to another, or to' an entirely different positionnon the stage, when the occasion requires it, 25 as when changing the scenes between acts, as is frequently necessary.

The present invention pertains more particularly to a novel supporting means for the cycloramas, whereby they may readily and convenient- 30 ly be shifted or changed from one position to another to effect different scenes, in a comparatively short period of time, and withoutremoving the cycloramas from their supporting means.

An object of the present invention therefore, is

35 to provide an overhead support for the cycloramas providing universal adjustment thereof, whereby they may readily be adjusted or shifted in an up or down stage direction, or crosswise of the stage, and also whereby they may be angularly disposed 0, with respect to the back curtain so as to efiect any desired setting which may be required for the particular production being shown.

A further object is to provide a Supporting means for a plurality of cycloramas, comprising a longitudinally extending track having outriggers arranged in spaced relation thereto and. operatively connected together and to the track, whereby the track and Outriggers are always maintained in parallel relation, regardless of their angular position with respect to the stage. A further object is to provide an overheadsupporting means for a plurality of cycloramas or. other such devices which may be used for, setting a stage, comprising a longitudinal track hav- 55 ing a plurality of relatively shorter or auxiliary Claims. (01. 27222) tracks mounted thereon for rotary adjustment in a horizontal plane,'and each of said shorter tracks having meansifor pendently supporting a panel or cyclorama curtain, and means being provided for conveniently adjusting theauxiliary tracks upon the longitudinal track both rotatively and longitudinally thereof, whereby the cycloramas depending from'the auxiliary tracks may be positioned in any desired manner, dependent j upon the particular setting requiredf or the production.

A further object is to provide an overhead support for the usual cycloramas of a stage whichis so constructed that the cycloramas. may readily and conveniently be moved up or down stage, or crosswise thereof, and whereby when the cycloramas are not in use, they may be nested together in a comparatively small space in the side wings of the stage, whereby they may be hidden from view from the front of the sta'ge, and whereby they will take up-very little floorspace of the stage, which is highly desirable, particularly when the stage is to be used forjathletic events.

Other'objects of the invention reside in the novel construction of the supporting means for the cycloramas, whereby they are adapted for universal adjustment, and alsowhereby the cycloramas may be reversed with respect to. the front of the stage to present different scenes, without removing the cycloramas from their supports; in the novel 'arrangementof the control means for the main supporting tracks,'where'by they may be conveniently shifted from one position to another by attendants-stationed at theends or wings "of the stage. thereby to effect quick Shifts or changes the scenery; and, in the simple and inexpensive construction of the apparatus, whereby it may be' manufactured atsmall cost and whereby it readily lends itself for installationon all conventional stages, regardless ofsize or shape. I

Other objects of the invention will appear from the following description and accompanying drawings and will be pointed out inthe annexed claims.

In the accompanying drawings'thererhas been understood that the invention isnot confined to,

the exact features shown as various changes may be made within the Scope ofthe claims which fol low.

In the drawings: A

Figure 1 is a plan view of a stage showing the cycloramas angularly positioned thereon:

Figure 2 is a plan View of one of the supporting structures for the cycloramas, provided at each end of the stage;

Figure 3 is a similar view showing the parts in a different position;

Figure 4 is an end view of Figure 2, showing the operating means;

Figure 5 is a side View of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is an enlarged detail sectional view showing the means for rotatably supporting the relatively shorter or auxiliary tracks on the main supporting track;

Figure '7 is a detail sectional view substantially on the line of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a sectional plan view on the line 88 of Figure 6; and

Figure 9 is a detail view showing one end of the main tracks of the supporting structures, and the outriggers connected thereto, and also showing one of the cables for shifting the position of the supporting structure to change the positions of the cycloramas.

In the selected embodiment of the invention here shown, there is illustrated in Figure 1, for purposes of disclosure, a stage, generally indicated by the-numeral 2, and having a back wall 3 and provided with the usual wings, generally indicated by the numeral 4. The usual back ourtain 5 is shown positioned forwardly of the back wall 3, and is supported from a suitable overhead support, such as is well known in the art. An important feature of the present invention resides in the construction of the means for supporting the usual cyclorama curtains or panels as the ends of the stage. These cycloramas are generally indicated by the numeral 6, and each is shown suspended from a suitable cross member For convenience, these members will hereinafter be referred to as auxiliary tracks. Each constitutes a part of a novel overhead supporting structure, generally indicated by the numeral I0. Two such supporting structures are employed, one at each end of the stage, as best shown in Figure 1. Each member or auxiliary track i has a longitudinally extending groove or channel 8, as best shown in Figure 7. These channels have inwardly projecting ledges 9 which cooperate to provide tracks for a plurality of blocks I each having an eye l2. The cyclorama curtains or panels 6 are suspended from the eyes |2 of the blocks ll, as clearly illustrated in Figures 4 and '7. The blocks II are slidable lengthwise of the auxiliary tracks 1, whereby the cyclorama curtains 6 may be slid to one end of said tracks, when desired. Suitable limit stops I3 are provided at the ends of the auxiliary tracks to prevent detachment of the blocks therefrom.

For a conventional stage setting, two or more cyclorama curtains are employed at each end of the stage. In the present instance, a group of three are shown at each end of the stage. As the supporting structures H] at the ends of the stage are alike in construction, but one such structure will be described in detail.

The auxiliary tracks I from which the cycloramas are suspended, are supported from a main track l4 extending the full length of the supporting structure ID, as best illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. The main supporting track 4 is supported by hangers l5 and IS. The upper ends of the hangers l5 and I6 are slidably supported in suitable fixed rails I! and I8 secured to the usual overhead beams l9 of the stage. The rails H and I8 are arranged in spaced parallel relation and the rails |B are preferably longer than 1 the rails ll, whereby the supporting structure If) may be disposed at an angle with respect to the stage, as shown in full lines in Figure 1.

Suitable Outriggers, generally indicated by the numeral 2|, are arranged at opposite sides of the main track I4, and are disposed in parallel relation thereto, as best illustrated in Figure 2. The outriggers 2| may be supported from the fixed tracks l1 and I8 by suitable hangers 22 and 23. The upper ends of the hangers 22 and 2.3 are secured tolOngitudinaIIy extending members 24,.m0i1nted for sliding movement in the rails l1 and I8, as will readily be understood by reference to Figure 4. The lower ends of the hangers 22 and also the lower end of the hanger l5 of the main track I4, are provided with suitable yokes 25 which straddle the outriggers 2| and main track l4, and may be secured thereto by suitable bolts 26.

The opposite ends of the outriggers 2| and the main track M are shown provided with relatively short track sections 21, secured to the main track l4 and Outriggers 2| by suitable strap members 28. Blocks 29 are slidable in the track sections 27, and the blocks 29 are secured to the hangers 5 and 23 of the main track M and Outriggers 2|, respectively.

The outriggers 2| and main track I4 are maintained in spaced parallel relation by suitable tie members '30, having their ends pivotally connected to the Outriggers, as shown at 3| in Figures 2 and 3. The main track I4 is also pivotally connected to the tie members 30, as indicated at 32. By thus connecting together the outriggers 2| and main track l4, they may readily be adjusted to any desired position with respect to the back curtains 5, as shown in Figure 1.

Means is also provided whereby the cycloramas may be rotatably-adjusted about vertical axes, thereby to facilitate positioning them'to obtain the desired efiects. To thus rotatably adjust the cycloramas, each auxiliary track is shown supported from the main track M by a'suitable turntable, generally indicated by the numeral 33. As these turn-tables are alike in construction, but one will be described in detail.

Each turn table 33 comprises a lower member 34 and an upper'membe'r 31. The lower member 34'is suitably secured to its complemental auxiliary rail 1 'by such means as bolts or screws 35, shown in Figure 6. A pivot bolt 36 is mounted in the member 34 and supports the upper member 3'! of the turn-table. The upper mem ber 31 is secured to a hanger or bracket 38 having a bar 39 secured to its upper end which is slidable in the main track l4, as will readily be understood by reference to Figures 6 and '7.

To retain the auxiliary track in adjusted p0 sition, a suitable latch member, generally indicated by the numeral 4|, is pivotally supported on a bracket 42 secured to the top of the auxiliary track 1 adjacent to the turn-table 33. One end of the latch 4| is adapted to selectively engage a plurality of notches 43, provided in the upper member 31 of the turn-table. The opposite end of the latch 4| may have one end of a cable 44 secured thereto, the lower end of which is conveniently positioned with respect to the floor so that an operator standing on the floor may readily grasp the lower end portion 45 thereof and manipulate the latch, as will be clearly understood by reference to Figure 4. When the latch 4| is in the dotted line position shown in Figure 6, its respective cyclorama may readily be rotated about the axis of the pivot bolt 36 to any desired angle with respect to the main supporting rail 14. If desired, the -cyclorama may be rotated a half revolution to present the opposite sidethereof to the front of the stage.

The entire supporting structure 1-0 maybe relatively moved along the tracks" I! and l'8by manipulation of suitable operating :cables 46. One such cable is provided at each end of the supporting structure tofacilitate adjusting the apparatus upon the rails I1 and I8. Each operating cable 45 may be in the form of a single length having its ends secured to the ends of the Outriggers 2|, as best shown in Figure '9. The two runs of the looped end 41 of the cable may pass over suitable sheaves 48, mounted on a fixed support of the stage frame work, not shown. The runs of the opposite looped end '49 of the cable has a running connection with a sheave 5| supported in a bracket 52 secured to the usual frame work of the stage.

'By means of the operating cables 46, the supporting structure for each set of cycloramas, in-

cluding the main track l4, Outriggers 2 I, and auxiliary tracks 1, may be conveniently moved along the fixed tracks I! and I8, to any desired position with respect to the center of the stage. The cycloramas are then rotatably adjusted about their vertical axes to properly position them with respect to the back curtain and the stage, and to obtain the desired scenic effects. The rotary adjustment of the cycloramas is effected by manipulation on the cords or cables 45, which .release the latch members 4| to permit turn-tables 33 to be operated, after which each 'cyclorama may readily be rotated about its vertical axis to position it in the desired position. Each latch member 4| is provided with a suitable spring 53 which constantly tends to urge it into locking engagement with the upper member of the turntable 33. The track sections 2! provided at the up-stage ends of the supporting structures Ill permit the supporting structures to be moved to angular positions, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, without any danger of the parts binding. The outriggers 2| serve to retain the auxiliary tracks 1 in a horizontal position, regardless of how the weight of the cyclorama curtains are distributed thereon. By referring to Figure 4, it will be noted that the upper faces of the auxiliary tracks 1 engage the lower edges of the outriggers 2|, which lower edges are disposed in substantially the same plane.

Another important feature of the invention r sides in the novel manner in which the supporting structures for the cycloramas are supported on the stage. As best shown in Figure l, the fixed tracks I! and I8 extend into the wings 4 of the stage, whereby when the entire stage is to be cleared as, for example, when it is to be used for sporting events, the cyclorama curtains may be moved into the wings of the stage and nested together adjacent to the wall sections 54 at the sides of the stage, as shown in dotted lines in Figure 1. When the cycloramas are thus nested together, they will be out of the way and will take up very little floor space of the stage. This is a very desirable feature in that it eliminates the operating cables 44 and 46, shown in Figure 4.

Iclaimasmyinventionfl 1. In combination with a stage, a :group .of

cycloramas at each'end of the stage, a single supporting structure for each group of cycloramas, said supporting structures :being'm'ouhted for traveling movement in a direction crosswise of the stage. and also whereby itheyare capable of angular adjustment with respect toon'e another. and to the center of the stage, means :permit-. ting lengthwise and crosswise adjustmcrit of'the cycloramas on said structures,"iand meansfor moving said structures on said supportingwmeans.

2. In combination with :astage, 'a g'roup of cycloramas at each 'end of the stage, a separate supporting structure for each group of cycleramas, overhead rails upon which said structures are mounted for traveling movemehtfin a direc-. tion crosswise of :the stage, means on said structurespermitting the cycloramas .to be moved in an up or down stage direction orcrosswise o'f the stage, and means whereby. the cycloramas may be nested into compact relation .at the ends of the stage without removing them from the sup porting structures, when not in :use.

3. In combination with a stage, a supporting structure comprising axinain track, auxiliary tracks mounted for rotary and lengthwise adjustment on the main track, outriggers associated with the main track and adapted to engage the ends of the auxiliary tracks to retain them in horizontal positions, and a plurality of cycloramas suspended from the auxiliary tracks.

4. In combination with a stage, a supporting structure, comprising a main track, auxiliary tracks mounted for rotary and lengthwise adjustment on the main track, Outriggers associated with the main track and adapted to engage the ends of the auxiliary tracks to retain them in horizontal positions, a plurality of cycloramas suspended from the auxiliary tracks, and means whereby the cycloramas may be nested into compact relation on said support, when not in use.

5. In an apparatus for pendently supporting a curtain or panel, a pair of fixed rails, a supporting structure mounted for traveling movement on said rails and comprising a main track, a plurality of auxiliary tracks mounted for longitudinal adjustment on said main track and each supporting a panel or curtain, and means whereby the auxiliary tracks may be rotatably adjusted on the main track to facilitate positioning the curtains with respect to a fixed object.

6. In an apparatus for pendently supporting a curtain or panel, a pair of fixed rails, a supporting structure mounted for traveling movement on said rails and comprising a main track, a plurality of auxiliary tracks mounted for longitudinal adjustment on said main track and each supporting a panel or curtain, means whereby the auxiliary tracks may be rotatably adju'stedon the main track to facilitate positioning the curtains with respect to a fixed object, and an operating member connected to each end of the supporting structure, whereby the position of the supporting structure on said rails may readily be adjusted, as desired.

7. In combination with a stage having wings at the ends thereof, a plurality of overhead rails extending crosswise of the stage, supporting structures mounted for traveling movement on said rails and each comprising a plurality of elongated members disposed in parallel relation, a group of cycloramas suspended from each supporting said rails towards the center of the stage in parallel or angular relation, whereby the cycloramas suspended therefrom may be positioned to produce the desired scenic effect for a given production, and means whereby when said supporting structures are moved into said wings, the cycloramas suspended therefrom may be moved into compact relation at the up-stage ends of the supporting structures, whereby they may be concealed from the front of the stage and also, whereby they will take up a minimum of space on the stage.

8. In combination with a stage, a pair of overhead rails, a supporting structure mounted for traveling movement thereon, said supporting structure comprising a main track having a plurality of auxiliary tracks mounted thereon and adapted for longitudinal and rotary adjustments thereon, a cyclorama slidably supported on each auxiliary track, an outrigger at each side of said main track, means for connecting together the main track and outriggers, whereby they are disposed in parallel relation. said outriggers being adapted to engage the outer ends of the auxiliary tracks to retain said tracks in. horizontal position, and means whereby one end of the supporting structure may be moved inwardly towards. the center of the stage, thereby to angularly position the cycloramas with respect to the centerof the stage, so that the desired scenic effect may be obtained.

9. In combination with a stage, a pair of overhead rails, a supporting structure mounted for traveling movement thereon, said supporting structure comprising a main track having a p111- rality of auxiliary tracks mountedther'eon and adapted for longitudinal and rotary adjustments thereon, a cyclorama slidably supported on each auxiliary track, an outrigger at' each side of said main rack, meansfor connecting together the main track and outriggers, whereby they are disposed in parallel relation, said outriggers being adapted to engage the outer ends of the auxiliary tracks to retain said tracks in horizontalposition, means whereby one end of the supporting structure may be moved inwardly towards the center of the stage, thereby to angularly position the cycloramas with respect to the center of the stage so that the desired scenic effect may be obtained, and means whereby said supporting structure may readily be moved to an inoperative position at the end of thestage withthe cycloramas nested into compact relation at one end thereof.

10. In combination with a stage, a pair oi:- spaced parallel rails at each end of the stage, a supporting structure mounted on each pair of tracks and movable lengthwise thereof, each supporting structure comprising a main track, a pair of outriggers, a plurality of auxiliary tracks pivotally connected to their respective main tracks, whereby the auxiliary tracks of each supporting structure may be relatively rotated with respect to their respective main tracks, said main tracks and outriggers being supported at one end by hangers having their upper ends slidably connected with one of said-rails, and the opposite ends of said main tracks and outriggers being supportedby similar hangers having slidable connections with their respective main tracks and outriggers, a cyclorama suspended from each auxiliary track, and means for independently operating the ends of said supportingstructures to position the cycloramas so as to produce the desired scenic effect.

CALVIN. R. BROWN. 

